On the 12 May at approximately 3:11pm Cessnock District Rescue Squad responded to reports of a person trapped in a mud hole with water up to their chest, units responded to an area near the Hunter Economic Zone, rescue units and other emergency services searched for the man, After about 30 mins the man who had apparently bogged his car was freed by another 4wd motorists, near the end of the search for the man the Rescue Squad was responded at approx 4:00pm to a motor vehicle accident on Ellalong rd, whilst units were responded an updated report was that it was a serious head on collision with one female driver trapped by the legs, Upon arrival of rescue members, members worked the stabilise the vehicle and began to work to free the woman, Rescue Squad members used hydraulic cutters to remove the drivers side of the vehicle whilst NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the injured woman, the woman was extricated from the vehicle in about 20 minutes. The women was treated for multiple serious leg fractures and possible internal injuries. The male driver of the other vehicle freed himself from his vehicle with a broken ankle and other minor injuries, the drivers were transported by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter which landed in the front yard adjacent to the accident much to the excitement of the children inside the house. Rescue Squad members remained on scene till approximately 11:30pm to assist NSW police crash investigation unit with lighting and Ellalong rd was closed in both directions for the duration of the accident and investigation.
